By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Director General of the National Gallery of Arts, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi has expressed his full support for and dedication to promoting creativity, both in Nigeria and around the world. During the recent exhibition of Luxury Islamic creative artwork expressions by ALFARUK in Abuja, Sodangi highlighted the significance of art and culture in showcasing the country and preserving its rich heritage.
The event, organized by renowned artist and Convener, Alfa Faruk Umar the Founder of ALFARUK Gallery and studios showcased a wide range of calligraphic artworks that impressed attendees and art enthusiasts alike. Sodangi emphasized that art is a powerful way to exhibit and preserve cultural values, similar to music, dance, and clothing.
He also discussed the government’s role in supporting and promoting artistic activities. Sodangi mentioned that the National Gallery of Arts is committed to supporting and adding value to Nigerian artists and their artwork. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerian artists in monetizing their content and highlighted the government’s efforts to harness and promote creativity in the country.
Sodangi highlighted that the current administration recognizes the value of the creative industry and aims to collaborate and partner with artists to further its growth. He emphasized that while the government may not have a direct role in the creative industry, it can provide support and create opportunities through collaboration.
The exhibition, attended by Sheikh Dr. Abdulfatiah Adeyemi, Director for Counselling, Arts and Culture with ICICE, received praise and admiration for its unique and extraordinary use of materials. The showcased pieces displayed a distinct style and genre, reflecting the artist’s exceptional creativity.
Dr. Abdulfatiah Adeyemi, speaking during the exhibition, expressed his admiration for the artist’s mastery of calligraphy. With over three decades of practicing Islamic arts, Dr. Adeyemi resonated with the artist’s exceptional talent and stressed the importance of nurturing and encouraging such creative individuals.
The exhibition prominently featured creativity an art form that encompasses various styles and languages. The audience was captivated by the English, Arabic, Chinese, and Ajami calligraphy, which utilizes Arabic script to write in the Hausa language. The exhibition highlighted the rich history of calligraphy in Nigeria, particularly its prevalence among Muslim artists who have used it as a means of artistic expression for centuries.
The influence of Islamic beliefs, which discourage the depiction of human forms, as well as the biblical messages found in the Old Testament, played a significant role in shaping the development of calligraphy as an art form in Nigeria. Muslim artists have ingeniously channeled their creativity and artistic expression through the use of Arabic text, resulting in the captivating creativity works showcased at the exhibition.
Furthermore, creative’s influence extends beyond religious and cultural boundaries. The exhibition revealed that anyone with proficiency in Arabic can explore the art of creative regardless of their religious background. Dr. Adeyemi shared a notable example of encountering a non-Muslim professor in Cairo who was proficient in calligraphy and even able to represent the Lord’s Prayer in Arabic script.
The exhibition not only celebrated the rich heritage of creativity in Nigeria but also highlighted its potential for the future. Dr. Adeyemi expressed optimism about the continued growth and evolution of creativity as an expressive medium for individuals from diverse backgrounds to showcase their creativity.
With the increasing promotion and support for art and creativity in Nigeria, the realm of creativity appears poised for a bright future. The exhibition served as a testament to the immense talent and artistic vision present within the country, further solidifying Nigeria’s position as a hub for artistic expression and cultural diversity.
As the exhibition concluded, attendees left inspired and enriched, having witnessed the beauty and diversity of calligraphic art. The event served as a reminder of the power of art to transcend boundaries and ignite the imagination, leaving a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to experience it.
Overall, the creativity exhibition marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s art scene, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity of its artists while promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.